Muslim Khatris

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Muslim Khatri

A Khattri nobleman, in Kitab-i tasrih al-aqvam by Col. James Skinner in (1778–1841)
Total population
1,000,000
Regions with significant populations
• Pakistan • Europe • United States • Canada • Australia • Dubai • Saudi Arabia • United Kingdom
Languages
• Punjabi • English • Urdu
Religion
Islam 100%
Related ethnic groups
• Shaikhs in South Asia • Khatris • Kamboj/Kamboh/Kamboja • Muslim Rajputs • Lohar • Arain

Muslim Khatris (Urdu: کهتری ‎) are members of Khatri community of India who are Muslims. The Muslim Khatri (Urdu: کهتری ‎) are the Khatri converts to Islam. Although a large majority of Khatris are Hindus, some converted to Islam. The conversion started in 12th century and continued till 1947. In western districts of the Punjab (Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Jhang, Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Faislabad), converted Khatri traders called themselves "Khoja". Some times they are called "Khoja Sheikh". In Pakistan, Muslim Khatris now are considered Punjabi Shaikh. The Muslims of Luthra tribe are also considered part of Muslim Khatris.

History

Khatris have an extensive military tradition and have excelled in the armed forces, having received many honors and gallantry awards for their service. Khatris have sometimes expanded into trade and mercantile businesses, including architecture. Although a large majority of Khatris are Hindus, some converted to Islam. The conversion started in 12th century and continued till 1947. In western districts of the Punjab (Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Jhang, Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Faislabad) converted Khatri traders called themselves "Khoja". Some time they are called "Khoja Sheikh". With the advent of Islam following invasions by Turkic tribes from Central Asia from the 11th century onwards, there were conversions of Hindus to the faith from among various Punjabi communities, including Khatris. Generally they retained their tribal, clan or caste affiliations as has been the norm in the region. Similarly, the Khatris who converted to Islam continue to retain a strong social identity and are known as Punjabi Shaikh.

Khawaja Shaikh

Main article: Khawaja Shaikh

Members of the Khatris caste, after converting to Islam, adopted the title Khawaja Shaikh (Arabic: خواجہ شيخ‎) and to this community belong many prominent Muslim trading families of South Asia. Aroras and a small community called Khukhrains which are trading communities consider themselves Khatris but are different in terms of origin, history, culture and language. Aroras and Khukhrains speak Multani or Seraiki.

Qanungoh Shaikh

Main article: Qanungoh Shaikh

Qanungoh Shaikhs (Persian: قانونگوہ شيخ‎) belonged to all the districts of the Punjab. They have different lineages and represent families who were holding hereditary office of Qanungoh ("law readers") during the Muslim period.

This designation was used in the Punjab and other provinces of India and Pakistan for hereditary registrar of landed property in a subdivision of a district.

Pakistan continues to have a prominent community of Khatris known as Punjabi Shaikhs as well as Khawaja Shaikhs. Some Muslim Khatris like the Sahgal family, Aftab Ahmed Vohra etc. of Pakistan are examples of well-known and successful Muslim Khatris. They are also known as Khoja and Chiniotis.

In addition the Punjabi Saudagaran-e-Delhi community are also of Khatri ancestry. Historically, this community lived in Delhi, and other north Indian towns, but after the independence they all moved to Pakistan. In Pakistan also the Muslim Khatris are expanded to various occupations.

Famous Muslim Khatris

See also

References

    Sources

    1. Denzil Ibbetson, Edward MacLagan, H. A. Rose, " A Glossary of The Tribes & Casts of The Punjab & North West Frontier Province", 1911, pp 502 Vol II
    2. Wendy Doniger, tr. "The Law of Manu", (Penguin Books, 1991 ) Verses 43-44, Chapter 10.
    3. A.L. Basham " The Wonder That Was India", ( Sidgwick & Jackson, 1967)
    4. D. Ibbetson, E.MacLagan, H.A. Rose, pp 58, Vol I
    5. Abu Fazal, "Ain-i-Akbari", translated by H.Blocmann & H.S. Jarrett, (Calcutta, 1873–94) 3 Vols., a gazetteer of the Mughal Empire compiled in 1590 AD.
    6. D. Ibbetson, E. MacLagan, H.A. Rose, pp 513–514 Vol II
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